CLEVELAND -- The 2013 Cleveland National Air Show presented by Discount Drug Mart, scheduled to take place August 31-September 2 (Labor Day Weekend), has been canceled due to the impact of Federal Government Sequestration budget cuts on Department of Defense and Aerospace Industry support of public air shows.

A recent Under Secretary of Defense memorandum stated, "All aerial demonstrations, including flyovers, jump team demonstrations, and participation in civilian air shows and military open houses will cease as of April 1, 2013."

The directive applies to Active-duty, Reserve and Guard units. "After considering the effect this will have on programming, attendance and the financial viability of producing a 2013 event, the Executive Committee of Cleveland National Air Show, Inc. Board of Trustees made the decision to cancel this year's Air Show.

"Though regrettable, this action is viewed to be in the long term best interest of the Air Show, the City of Cleveland and the valued fans that annually attend the event," said Chuck Newcomb, executive director.

Military participation recently canceled for the 2013 Air Show includes the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demonstration, U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and all scheduled military display aircraft.

Military units providing personnel and equipment to support the Air Show are also unable to make a commitment for the 2013 Fiscal Year.

"On behalf of the Cleveland National Air Show Board of Trustees, we would like to thank all of the sponsors, vendors, dedicated volunteers and fans for their continued support and patronage. It is their efforts and community involvement that has made the Air Show a Labor Day Weekend tradition in downtown Cleveland for half a century," said Chuck Newcomb, executive director. Planning and preparation is proceeding for the 2014 Cleveland National Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

The tentative 2014 dates are August 30 - September 1 (Labor Day Weekend).

The Cleveland National Air Show has been Northeast Ohio's Labor Day Weekend tradition since 1964, attracting 60,000 to 100,000 visitors to Burke Lakefront Airport, making it one of the region's largest annual events.

The Air Show has an annual economic impact of $7.1 million+ on the City of Cleveland. For more information visit www.clevelandairshow.com or call 216-781-0747.

The event is produced by Cleveland National Air Show Inc., a 501(C)4 not-for-profit Ohio Corporation that relies on sponso